BuffMum

The end of a Journey.................

2010-09-06T09:58:00.000-07:00

WOW, what a crazy 2 weeks it has been. A whirlwind of travel, training, airports, hotels, food and most importantly time spent primping and beautifying. In the last 11 days I have flown all the way to east coast not only once but TWICE! I was thinking that I may have overcome my fear of flying but as I type this the plane is bouncing all over the place and I have had to stop typing to literally hold down my laptop. So maybe some of those butterflies are still there!

So since I have flown back and forth twice now I have had the joy or at least I know I will, as I can feel it coming on, of experiencing cankless! HA. Some of you say WHAT? Yup, that’s right cankles. If you have ever competed before you know this feeling. Post-competition water retention. Your ankles begin to swell and you can’t seem to tell the difference between where your calf ends and your ankle starts! I am beginning to feel my skin tighten and my feet feel heavy, yikes!!!! Flight attendant more water please. I find it’s been even worse with all this flying.

Speaking of competing.............................wow! I brought my best physique to the stage. I wanted to be leaner and tighter than any other show and this is exactly what happened. Hany kicked my butt this season and variety of cardio from track work to intervals and stairclimber plus a combination of training my hams and glutes at least twice a week to really be ready. I placed 2^nd in my class which is 4 spots up from last year. It looks like I may have been a tad bit too lean in the legs so I will have to tone it down a bit for next year but at least I have a guideline to work from. After talking with Hany he thought heading to Cleveland for the North American Championships was a good idea as there are 3 shows a year in which a Canadian can qualify for their pro card at, this being one of them. Unfortunately I had to fly back home from Toronto on Sunday and fly back out Thursday to Cleveland. This probably wasn’t a great idea as my body was trying to recover from the show, training, dieting and of course the water retention. By Thursday I was able to get my body back to normal to pull it in for the show.

After a LONG day of travel Thursday I was totally exhausted...........the Chicago is an insane airport and I had 1.5 hour delay there..............I ended up traveling for nearly 14 hours by the time I got to the hotel!!!! Nevertheless, I felt good and ready after resting most of the day Friday. However, my fate turned out to fall into 13^th place. Much too my disappointment I certainly did not expect this. However, I felt that perhaps I was a bit too lean coming into this show. Have been given the feedback from Canadians to tone down my legs a bit then I should have been a bit softer for this show. Looking back at some of the pictures I can see that maybe my Ronnie Coleman vein was a bit to prominent for the judges liking! Nevertheless, I am proud of the package I brought to both of these shows. Tighter and leaner than I have ever been before! I had an amazing time met some great people and of course enjoyed some yummy food!

Here is a pic back stage of the girls I roomed with, the stunning Lil K and gorgeous Getto M! MUAH! Thanks ladies for all your support!!

So where do I go from here you ask? Good question! There is always much on my plate, remember I have A type personality! So its onward and upward to the next challenge. My future is full of many more exciting things not necessarily competing the next few months, time to switch things up! Oh, no I am NOT quitting competing by any means, just time for a break, time to focus on other responsibilities like work, family and few little projects I like to follow through on....................stay tuned!

Thank-you for riding along on my journey this year competing and the obstacles, challenges, highs and lows I have had. I appreciate all your support, encouragement and emails. Keep them coming as you are what keeps me motivated to be an inspiration! I am inspired to inspire!

Stay strong & Train Hard!

Michelle

Success does NOT come without Sacrifice!

2010-08-27T04:37:00.000-07:00

Success does not come without sacrifice. The early nights, the skipped events and the countless hours away from family and friends.

Success does not define who we are but it is the journey itself that defines us.

Success is not about the extrinsic motivators like awards, prizes or money but about achieving our dreams, reaching and pushing ourselves to a higher potential.

Success is about determination, perseverance and self-gratification. Knowing we have no limits or restrictions.

Success is about you!

3 days to go.............................

2010-08-25T06:45:00.001-07:00

Well it is almost here! I can't believe it. It's kind of bitter sweet, like I can't wait for it but then in an odd way I don't want to come to an end yet!

These next 3 days are so crucial, it will determine how I look on that stage. Yes, today is my final cardio but there is still tweaking needed with diet and water thereafter. I only get one chance up there and I need to hit my peak perfectly, the total package needs to be ON! It's not over till I stand tall saturday night.

I can not explain to you how different this prep has been for me. It has definitely lead me on roller coaster of emotional and physical pain. I did not exactly welcome these with open arms but I can now look back and realize that each time I experienced these moments I reminded myself about getting back up and keep on going. Remember that life is not about the obstacles we face but about how we persevere through them and create our own path to our goals and our success.

This journey has not been with out much support from AMAZING family and friends! You all know who you are! Having your encouragement has kept me striving to be the best. To be an inspiration and motivator in your goals and your life! To you I owe much gratitude, I would not be here without you!

Well as I begin my final cardio to sweat burn any final flaws that have hung on til now, stubborn guys, I will think back to the beginning and what I have accomplished thus far and focus on what I need to do these next few days to reach my ultimate goal!

Much Love & Appreciation!
Michelle

Eye Of The Tiger!

2010-08-15T10:21:00.000-07:00

You know that feeling when it just hits you? You've got it........the eye of the tiger? Driven, determined and patiently awaiting the kill! Yes, I am hungry! Literally and metaphorically, HA! But it's time..............to persevere through these next 2 weeks, pushing harder, digging deeper than I have ever done before.

It amazes me that even though I have been here before it feels different, tougher than the past. Why? Does training and dieting ever get easier? Nope! Not if you want to achieve your greatest potential! You have go beyond your limits, beyond your comfort zone and push past your barriers. When you do this there is a sense of accomplishment and pride in yourself that you can reach your goals and then set new ones. So no matter what we are always pushing faster, harder and becoming stronger.

This quote has stuck in my head this entire contest prep, "Do what you have always done and you will get what you have always gotten". This holds oh so true. If we repeat the same ways or patterns we will never change and go grow. What can you change today to push you in a different direction or down a different path.................seeking your true inner potential!

Remember to stay strong and confident and you can reach those goals that you have set!

Here is a pic from when I went to Cali to train with Hany, with us is also IFBB figure Huong Arcinas, who is currently prepping for the Olympia. Beautiful!
Oh, and no I do not have on my heels, LOL!

Hermit in Hiding!

2010-08-04T08:18:00.000-07:00

Sad to say that this has been the case. I don’t want to make excuses about how busy life is as we are faced with the lengthy list of to-dos on a daily basis. Unfortunately my updates have been nil since last October. Man, it’s nearly October already again, has it really been this long since I have shared my lifes' journey with you. There has been much on my plate these past 9 months and believe me I have wanted to sit down and tell you all about it but it seemed something else seemed to jump on my priority list.

So here I sit on a plane ride back from California. Wow, what a whirlwind of 48 hours it has been. This was just a quick trip down to train with my coach “The Pro Creator”! Does this name ring a bell? Think Mr.Olympia behind the scenes. Well, most of you may not know who this guy is unless you are an avid bodybuilder follower and read mags such as MD or Flex. This guy is the top trainer in the world, hey he trainers Jay Cutler and Phil Heath, just to name the top guys of bodybuilding. Hany Rambod is the magic behind these guys. So what does a little ol’amateur like me doing in this neck of the woods you ask? Well learning something new from the best in the biz! Changing things up to bring a different package to the stage than I have in the past. We all need to keep learning and growing and this change in coaches was a step in the right direction. Who else to learn from than the Pro-creator himself. Hope his name holds true in less than 4 weeks!

I must admit I was a bit star struck at first as here he is taking the time to train me, listen to my concerns and guide me through the rest of my journey to the stage. Did I mention thats less than 4 weeks away? Right, I did just seems so close but so far away! As now it is crunch time, time to buckle in an giver! Time to tighten those last few areas, practice and practice again and again my posing and stage presence.

You see no matter how many times we practice we can always give more, do more and strive for excellence. Our own self-determined excellence comes from what we believe is our best and as long as I know that I have given my best and have followed everything I could from my coaches advice than my excellence at this point is achieved. Someone once told me that if we do not achieve the standard we set for ourselves that we will NEVER be able to achieve them. What I don’t understand in this negative thought pattern is how are you suppose to succeed if you do not know how to fail first. We determine success by what we can overcome and achieve and if we first know how to fall and pick ourselves up we can carry on and strive to do or be better. I challange you to think of something that you may have wanted to achieve in the past but have given up because of the fear of failure and think of how you can overcome this obstacle in order to succeed.

We are only limited by what we fear!

Hang on for the ride......................................

Michelle

Halloween has come and gone!

2009-12-03T12:35:00.000-08:00

Hi guys! Well Halloween has come and gone and it was a blast. I love dressing up! Me and my hubby went as evil clowns and I did both of our make-up, we were late to the party we were attending but I'm almost positive we would have one the best couple costume! Maybe next year, I'm already turning the wheels on next years costume.

Now the focus is on Christmas, well trying to. I haven't even started my Christmas shopping, EEK! Perhaps thats a good thing because every year as I start shopping I keep filling my closet with presents and then when it comes time to wrap them I forgot about what I bought. So I end up spending more money in the end and wrapping presents into the wee hours of christmas eve. Oh come on I know some of you do this!

So this year I told myself no early shopping, not that I really had the time, this year is about a budget. Yup! You heard BUDGET! I'm sure we've all been there trying to say that we won't spend what we did last year but does this hold true, nope, not really. So this is the year, holding back on shopping has done some good. AH, but what to buy on a budget, kind of is a drag. Oh, I'm sure I\ll think of something................hmmmmmm. Thoughts??

Are you finished your shopping and now sitting back and enjoying the holidays. I love this festive season even just walking around the mall in no hurry, just people watching, looking at the decorations and listening to the wonderful music, oh and of course all the while holding an egg nog latte (skinny option of course). Ha, I would hardly call it skinny though as they still use real sugar syrup! But it is a nice treat once in a while. I think my addiction to them from last year has blown over a bit. I ran to several starbucks last year once I heard they were discontinuing them after the holidays, need my last fix! Crazy I was! What's your favorite treat over the holidays? Send me an email and let me know what you like to indulge in!

Have a very happy holiday and feel blessed that we can enjoy it here in Canada!
Luv,
Michelle

Olympia Pictures

2009-11-01T10:53:00.000-08:00

Here are few pics from the BIG WEEKEND!

Nearly Hallow's Eve!

2009-10-30T14:11:00.000-07:00

Yikes, I can't believe I've left this post unspoken for for so long.....okay maybe I can. I know, I know, what in the world could be sooooo important that I haven't updated my blog. Well, you know when your plate loses a few tasks you tend to throw more on right, Yep, that's me. So here I am trying to keep pace with the world and myself for that matter. I has been a month since the Olympia, what an event. There are so many fit people there that feed my inspiration and determination to continue on in this sport of figure.

I don't know if you can ever have a enough pics with pros! Jay Culter, Gina Aliotti, Jenny Lynn, Monica Brandt, Branch Warren, just to name a few. I tend to laugh at myself sometimes as they are just human right! Wrong they have stepped on the Olympia stage which makes them an Olympic Legend! It's funny when people who are not involved in this industry have no idea when you speak these names or talk about the Olympia at times I am beside myself thinking WHAT! You don't know what the Olympia is. But as soon as I mention Arnold they all seem recall those Iconic days. I wonder was that a different era then has the world of bodybuilding changed and if so has it been for the better?

Enough rambling about that.........................the Olympia is always full of excitement, events and TONS of samples. At least this year we kept it to a minimum. Last year we brought back an entire duffle bag full and we still going through some the products right up until this years Olympia. So we decided that this was not necessary this year. It was an interesting figure competition this year last years winner Jennifer Gates was not in attendance so the title was up for grabs. Most people thought Gina Aliotti would be taking it this year but Nicole Wilkins came out of no where and took the title. It was really close and as we all know this sport is very subjective and it comes down to a few fine things between placings. I was stoked that Jay got back his title and MUCH deserve guy the looked amazing and who saw Branch pulling up to second place, I don't think anyone called that one! I have some great pics to post and will do that soon.

As for myself and where I have been...................still working steady at the online course development and trying to find time to train. With the days shorter it seems like there is less hours in the day. My priorities have shifted a bit for now as I am dedicating most of my time to work and family and trying to squeeze in those supersets and cardio when I can. It's funny when I get into onseason mode it seems like a light switch, with a flick I am on track and prepping for a show. It's a bit of a nice break right now having the flexibility in my training and having the opportunity to try different training styles. When I'm onseason I always train heavy and usually 5 days a week and each day takes about 1.5 hours. Now I can train with supersets or circuits and find myself in and out of the gym in an hour weights and cardio included! Sometimes I feel like I haven't done anything well at least til my muscles tell me otherwise the next.

I hope you are all excited for Halloween, I know I am. It has been a while since I dressed up and a friend is having a party this weekend and my costume is great! You'll have to wait to see pics as I don't want to spill it just yet. Oh and of course let's not forget all thee little chocolates the kids bring home............................hmmmm.....nothing beats chocolate and PB! Hey we all need some sanity once in a while right?

Well Happy Halloween and I'll fill you in soon the festivities this weekend!

So what happened?

2009-09-15T10:07:00.001-07:00

Well, the last few weeks have been CRAZY! With competing in 2 shows in 2 weeks and then back to school I feel like summer wasn't even here. I guess there are pros and cons to dieting over the summer. You look great in a bikini but then you miss out on the wonderful BBQ's and summer festivities.

Alright, alright so let's get to what happened at the shows right? Well, this was the BEST contest prep ever! I felt like I came in the best shape I have ever looked. Balanced symmetry & lean, but it wasn't what the judges were looking for. As we know with this sport it is so subjective that you never know what will happen. SO what did happen........................I placed 6th in my class, which was much to my suprise, my coaches suprise and several others. So each time I compete I take what I have done and learnt to develop and improve for the next show. But in order to do that I needed feedback from the judges so I could work hard and bring it even better next year. This is the frustrating part...............................the judges couldn't give me anything constructive. I heard comments like "you looked amazing and have what it takes to be at the top, keep training hard". This comment tells me just put in your time and you'll be rewared. Another comment was "your muscle mass is the same as others but because you are tall you appear bigger so you should downsize", really? If I downsize will the other judge not like my look? So you can see my predicament! What does one do to prep for next year? I think at this point all you can do is trust your coach and your instinct of how you like to look. I feel my size and porportion is balanced, other than maybe more shoulder cap, my routine will be looking at maintaining what I have.

So with that experience I decided to head to Cleveland, Ohio for the North American Championships. This show includes competitors from Canada, USA and Mexico. Not really knowing what the look was for these judges and never having done a show outside of Canada my expectations weren't much. I wanted to go for the experience, practice and exposure.

The trip was a quick turn around getting in at midnight thursday and then leaving 7am sunday so I didn't really get to see much of Cleveland, all in all, I believe I stepped outside for a total of 30min!! The hotel was beautiful very old and the staff were more than accomodating and friendly. The hotel sits right above the mall which had an amazing Cookie store which I ended up visiting several times.

Friday was prepping and relaxing and then the show was on saturday. I couldn't believe the number of competitors. The show was so long, it was good to have our hotel in the same building as the event so I could relax in my room for a bit.

There were about 18 girls in my class and when they did the first call-outs I had butterflies in my stomach. Whe they called my number I was so excited! I really couldn't believe it. So as it turned out I placed 4th and had the biggest smile on my face!

So I guess I can say that I am 6th in Canada and 4th in North America, not really sure how that makes sense, LOL!!

So now I am back to work fulltime wondering how the summer flew by me. I am focusing on my new position with the school district and redeveloping some online courses. Should fun, interesting and hopefully not too stressful. I will fit my training in when I can incorporating more of a circuit style for now to minize my time at the gym.

I hope you are all well and keeping up with the fast pace of life, take time for yourself & breathe,
talk soon,
Michelle

24 HOURS!

2009-08-14T08:38:00.000-07:00

Number of hours spent doing cardio : 100

Pounds of chicken eaten : 160

Number of calories burnt doing cardio : 80,000

Pro card : priceless!

It's hard to believe in nearly 24 hours the CBBF Figure and Fitness Nationals begins.................

With a few more things to do today I feel ready as ever! Don't get me wrong who doesn't have butterflies this close to a show but I have done everything I possibly could at this point and now it is up to the judges to decide my fate!

I am excited and focused! This will be my last local show. So it would be truely amazing to win my pro card on home turf with all of my family and friends cheering me on. Should this not be the case I will be traveling to Cleveland Ohio to take another shot at it. This show the North Americans is the only other show in which Canadians can recieve their pro card at.

At this point, I just have to finish packing and head to the hotel for tanning, weigh-ins and hopefully some rest. Rest is few and far between these days I find myself visualizing being on stage, this is a good thing as it calms and prepares me, however, it does tend to come when want to sleep. I was wide awake at 5 am this morning, cleaning and preparing everything I need. I was hoping that my energy would diminish those flutters in my stomach but NOPE they're still there. I even hopped on my ellipitical to burn some last few calories.

I have been ready all week and just playing the waiting game now. My stage prep is going a little different this year, as far as food, because I have been on track so far. Usually I add a few extras in the day of the show but this time I am sticking to just chicken and yam!

I know that you will be cheering me on and I thank-you for all the support and encouragement thus far. If you are looking for results or updates twixpix.com or siouxcountry try to keep up-to-date events as they happen! Wish me luck and I will post next week as to how I did.

Hugs,
Michelle

Massage Warning!

2009-08-04T18:20:00.001-07:00

Okay, so you might be thinking massage warning what's this all about...........................I've caught your attention, right?

Well, most of us love a good massage especially at a spa were the mood is just right and relaxing. Someone touching and massage your tense muscles from a long day, yes we have all been there. But have I got a different story for you.

I have been seeing a registered massage therapist for the past 3 years and she is awesome. I wouldn't dream of visiting anyone else but this past month she decided to take a job opportunity in the Congo looking after Gorillas, I mean really how dare she! I am 4 weeks from my show and she deserts me! For monkeys? Anyways, she of course referred me to another individual and stated that she wouldn't recommended anyone else. Okay, alright whats a girl to do. I mean I have 3 weeks to go now and my body is starting to seize up. I have to see someone. So I booked in and off I went. Of course, the location was not at a day spa but a REAL clinic, so no dark lighting or steam room, bummer. Upon meeting the therapist he was very friendly and informative. He ran me through the usual questions before getting started. He seemed very knowlegable and began working out the knots in my back. I do love that ouch it hurts but still feels good pain so I knew he was doing something right. But I began to wonder as he worked on my arms, specifically my triceps. Again there was that ouch it hurts but feels good pain but then it morphed into oh my god my arm is gonna burst. Do you or don't you say something? There's like this phobia we have of saying the pressure is too hard, you know what I'm talking about, you've done it! Why are we hesitant on telling someone to ease up a bit? Do we think we might offend them? Well perhaps that's what was going through my head, or maybe it was empty due to the lack of glucose my brain needs to function with and eventually my brain couldn't tell the difference between a good or bad pain, if there is such a thing. Either way I'm not sure what happened but my massage was finished and as I stood up to walk out I felt like my whole body was detoxing and going through a state of shock. What just happened. So what's my point right? Well as the day progressed slowly welts and bruises began to form on my triceps, not pretty! Oh and painful!

So this is my warning to those of you how enjoy a deep tissue massage once and a while. Make sure your not afraid to tell the therapist when the pressure is too much. Trust me your body will thank-you!

Anyways, hopefully, the damage done will be gone in time for the show or perhaps the protan will cover it up!

UPDATE: Training is going.......................I'm starting to get pretty sluggish and tired these days but I'm feeling really good about where I'm at and excited to bring my best package to the stage yet!

11 days and counting! Your support means everything!
Love Michelle

2 WEEKS!

2009-07-29T14:35:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it, where does the time go? WHEW! I have been so busy working and training that I haven't had a chance to update my blog..........! Well, things are great! I am right on track feeling good and totally pumped. Went to BC provincial championships this weekend which gave me a quick reality check that Nationals are just right around the corner. Definitely some good looking ladies coming out of BC should be an amazing show for Nationals.

Well, I've kicked it into high gear to rip off the last few pounds for the stage.............tons of cardio and of course the diet keeps on diminishing.....sadly enough but hey, only 2 weeks til I can enjoy some tasty treats! WOOT WOOT! Right after I win my Pro card of course.

Still deciding on my path after Nationals........my first pro show or break......hey I gotta keep a positive attitude right? Are you with me...............more Canadians need to qualify for their pro cards its time we start pushing over some of the US girls to gain top spots for the Olympia! I don't mean pushing down the stairs, although its bond to happen..............kidding, kidding! LOL!

I hope that you are all surviving this ridulous weather that we are having, forget about trying to do cardio at home, sheezz I have to hit the gym double/triple times now, at least there is air conditioning.

Just a short chat for now, but stay tuned as we get closer to August 15th!
~~Hugs, Michelle

Technical Difficulty!

2009-06-23T14:06:00.000-07:00

Well hello....... much to my dismay, as you may have already found, my website has been down for quite some time. I was in the process of switching over webmasters which took a little while for things to get sorted out! WHEW! But here I am with much to catch you up on.

Where do I start? Well, school is almost finished, well for those who aren't in summer school, we'll get to that in a bit. The weather took a turn down the drain. While we were stuck in a hot stuffy school forcing students to stay focused for the last couple of weeks and now it decides to rain, bummer!

With exams finishing up and the last few details and boxes for me to pack up I am looking forward to some quality time at home and focus back on my training...............WAIT a minute................................summer school??? Oh ya almost forgot, I will be working over the summer. I took an online teaching position til August, yup, 1 week before nationals, can you say crazy at least thats what my students might be calling me by then. I'm pretty excited though as this is another new adventure for me in my path as a teacher especially considering I will tackling Chemistry 11 & 12. It doesn't seem to matter how much we can't wait til we have free time because we will always fill up our plates again with another task, right? Well, thats my life!

Training is going great! I am right on track and feeling good, well most days ;) It doesn't matter how often or how early I get up each day it is still a struggle to drag my hiney to the ellipitcal. But I see results everyday, tighter legs and glutes, veins in the shoulders, they rock, and then the chiseled pack of abs that begin to peek through. It is nearly 7 weeks away and I am totally pumped to be back on stage.

I told you I would keep you uptodate as to where my training was but the best I can do is tell you that cardio is at 1hour and 15min 6x/week, weights 5x/week and diet is about 1400 calories. Suprisingly, the diet has been really good. I haven't had too many cravings other than that once a month want to dive into a bag of chocolate chip cookies and I'll take anyone out who stands in my way, you know what I mean. But other than that all is GREAT! In case you are wondering I was able to hang on with my willpower!

I hope that you are all keeping up with your fitness, staying healthy, fit and strong. Summer is HERE, so stay on track and eat clean, but do enjoy that well deserved treat as a reward once in a while.

Cheers, Michelle

Winter or Spring?

2009-03-24T19:17:00.001-07:00

Well, considering the weather these days I'm not sure what time of year it is......but I do know that usually come spring time I start buckling down for precontest prep. So if its winter as mother nature seems to tell us then I'm in the clear for a few more weeks and sanity. However, I am looking forward to the warmer weather and even welcome my diet and early morning cardio. It refocuses me and gets me back on track. So soon the journey begins for this years Nationals and for that top spot once again. I have been trying to put a bit more size on my shoulders and arms and training heavy all off season. I'll be striving for that pro card but so will 44 other girls.............who will it be this year? I am also planning on heading down to Cleveland 2 weeks after nationals to experience an american stage and judging as well as compete for the only other pro card Canadians can qualify for. So stayed tuned as I will update you on my contest prep.......................HUGS!

Almost Christmas!

2008-11-25T08:24:00.000-08:00

okay.......................I'm sure I'm not the only one who loses track of time, right? It's funny how time flies by before we realize there are many things that need catching up! So where shall I start. Firstly, thank-you to those of you that have reminded me to do an update. Lets' go back to August the month of Nationals! Most of you have already seen the results..............I was very excited with my 5th place finish. For my first showing at Nationals I was quite impressed that I was comparable with girls who have been on the stage at least 2-3 times already! I know that I did not come in looking my best and this was due to changing a few key components before the show, BAD IDEA. You learn pretty quick not to mess with what works. So going into Nationals next year I will be leaner in my lower half and not holding water! ARGH! I'll be ready to battle it out for the top spot now that I have had a taste of what to expect. I will definitely prepare for the North Americans now knowing what the states is looking for, assuming I do not receive my Pro card at Nationals.

So other than taking some time off to recover and rest I have been in full swing of finishing up my B.Ed and teaching certificate. It has been a very long and busy road, I guess I did not realize the amount of work involved in prepping to teach. However, the business is very much worth the rewards! I have enjoyed working with my students over the past 3 months and will be sad to go in the next 2 weeks but I will be ready to the next step and hope that in my subbing ventures I will come across them again!

I can't believe Christmas is almost upon us! I haven't even begun to start my shopping and I don't want to think about battling the malls for good presents and deals! I am looking forward to this season more than ever, just some time to relax with family, friends and enjoy the holiday feasts, with in reason ;) I like the time to reflect on the year and what I have accomplished and how I can strive in the New Year to exceed my previous goals and set new ones. These goals keep me in check, focused and driven. What are your goals for the new year. Set them, write them down and you will achieve them!

Remember I am always here to motivate you and inspire you, send me an email anytime you need focus, advice or someone to listen.

Your friend and motivator,
Michelle

Way Too Long!

2008-07-04T22:07:00.000-07:00

Well, who knew 9 months could come and go so quickly. Does anyone really ever read these things? WHEW!

Well, it is now only 5 weeks away from Canadian Nationals. I'm training hard, well as hard as I can with my diet and cardio draining me most days. But overall, I'm happy with my progress. This on-season has been a much better ride than last year! I only have about 10 lbs to go which will give me planty of time to load properly for Nationals. I want my physique to be even better than BC's to hopefully again take the top spot..................dreaming of my first pro show.................................so keep your fingers crossed.

I have been crazy busy trying to juggle family, personal training clients, 5am & 7pm cardio and my Bachelor of Education, to teach Physics and PE at the secondary level. Hence, my delay in writing this blog. Sometimes I wonder where I find all the time to fit everything in. It's funny how you manage to just work everything out, I have to be prepared going into each new day. Meals prepped and placed in my rather large cooler, extra clothes and school books packed. My load is quite heavy and I get many stares walking into the classroom with my cooler in hand. I just laugh as I whip out my chicken and rice as the teacher lectures. Let's just say that I tend to get many questions about the cooler.

Back in May I had the opportunity to go to Kelowna to cheer on some friends at the Westerns. Both of them did very well and I was excited to sit out in the audience and cheer them on. They did amazing and I am so proud of them! Tracey(blonde hair) competed in both the Figure Masters and Figure Tall and Laurie competed in Figure Tall, she placed 3rd and will be prepping for the 2009 BC's, so look out!

As I retire for the evening I apologize for the extended delay and hope to keep you updated as Nationals nears.

Goodnight & Sweet Dreams ;)

Michelle

Happy Thanksgiving

2007-10-08T13:48:00.000-07:00

I hope you all got to enjoy this weekend with family and indulge in some turkey dinner. My brother had come out for a quick visit last weekend, 4 days, way too short, but nevertheless we made the most of his time here. Enjoyed a friends surprise birthday bash with an 80s theme, man was my brothers friend surprised to see him it was such a blast!

It sure is nice to be able to enjoy the occasional treat and bevie off season, it makes you seem real again not having to worry what your putting in your mouth. I'm usual good about eating clean during the week while I train hard and heavy but once the weekend is upon me I tend to enjoy a treat here and there!

Pic: Enjoying some dessert post competition!

My offseason training is now in full swing as I prep for Nationals, a little nervous as I'll be going up against the big girls now. However, seeing the results of the Olympia this year you can definitely see the difference in the physiques from those competing in the USA and Canada. It seems that Canada is pulling some tight & lean ladies while the USA tends to favor a bit more of a softer look as it was Jenny Lynn, lookin fab that won the Figure Olympia this year. So at times my training tends to worry me, am I gonna have to back track once I turn pro? It seems that figure is difficult to judge as it all depends on what the judges like, soft or hard lines, smaller or bigger in size and then where is the line that crosses over into bodybuilding? Nevertheless, I love training and competing so for now I will give it my all and see where this takes me!

My personal training has definietly picked up as it seems the fall comes and everyone is ready to get back into shape. I love training & giving my clients motivation, I do miss my Survivor Bootcamp business as it was awesome to see everyone push and encourage each other and then have awesome results after 4 weeks! My focus has turned to more of a one-on-one approach, which makes my clients a bit more accountable to me! Currently I am training a few girls for some up and coming figure shows and I am so excited to see them up on stage. Whether it is a one time event or ongoing sport for them I will be so proud of them to stand up on the stage and be rewarded for their hard work and dedication!

Feel free to email me if you have any questions and I always love reading your emails and will try to respond as quickly as I can. Always remember to Train Hard, Stay Fit, Healthy& Strong!

luv,

Michelle

Too Long!

2007-09-18T15:07:00.000-07:00

Well I'm sorry that it has been awhile since my last post and some of you have been wondering where I have been. After the competition I took some time off from the gym to let my body rest and took some holidays in August. My husband & I went to Las Vegas for a friends wedding and had a blast! The weather was gorgeous and scorching hot! We worked out at Golds Gym, HUGE facility, equipment was a bit older but nevertheless tons of metal in the place and more than 1 of everything! You never had to wait for a piece of equipment. Post workout we enjoyed a chocolate peanut butter protein shake which I must say was one of the BEST protein shakes I have ever had, YUM! It was a good thing we got in a few workouts because the rest of the time was spent eating and drinking, even all you can eat sushi! I have never been so stuff............oh wait yes the night of my show, right, forgot about that!

We returned from Vegas for 2 days and headed out to Nova Scotia to visit some family. It was nice to kick back & sit by the lake and catch a few rays. August really was a great month but now it's back to reality and reset my goals. All of which are focused for Nationals 2008. I'm back at the gym 5 days a week. Which is a nice change from the 7 precontest! My other time is spent training clients, teaching group exercise and spending time with my family which has been neglected for the past 4 months of on season training. I'm doing a little extra cardio to burn off those much enjoyed treats over the summer so I can sit at a good weight off-season. As I approach on-season I'd like it to be a little easier to be contest ready!

Thankyou for all your support and encouragement and I enjoy reading all your emails!
TTFN! Michelle

Results Are In!

2007-07-25T15:53:00.000-07:00

WOW! What a weekend! Still on a winning high, well maybe a food high as well............! I placed 1st in my Tall division at the 2007 BC Provincial Bodybuilding, Fitness and Figure Championships and then took the Figure Overall title as well! Can't believe it! Those last few weeks of training were grueling...........almost didn't think I was gonna make it. But I pulled through with some awesome support from friends and family and great direction from my coaches! WHEW! I definitely enjoyed some post shows goodies, well maybe a little overboard as I'm finding it difficult to shed this extra water weight, argh! I had a huge cheering section at the show which gave me extra confidence on the stage. Thank-you to all of you who came out to support me!

I had a blast backstage meeting and chatting with the other girls. You gain such respect for everyone as they have all been through the same precontest regime. Everyone looked fabulous which I'm sure made it difficult for the judges.

So as for my future endeavours I had told myself prior to the competition that depending on the results I would decide post show where I was going to go from there. So my decision is in! Even though I now have an official lifetime qualification to Nationals I am going with my momentum and will be competing at the 2008 Canadian Figure Nationals in Edmonton. With the help of my coaches my goal is to improve on my physique & bring it in even better to place within the top 5! SO I will enjoy this weeks break from training, dieting etc. to hit it hard again next month. Only 7 months until precontest!

May 23, 2007

2007-05-23T16:36:00.000-07:00

Well, as most of you know I am in full swing with my pre-contest prep! 8 weeks to go.............! The prep for this show has been a much different experience than my last show. Let's just say that I enjoyed the off-season a little too much! I am definitely paying for that now. I guess you have to learn for yourself, even though my coaches gave me full warning. But really who doesn't LOVE food, especially around Christmas. So I have learnt my lesson and will be prepared post competition this time! Right now I'm training about 3 hours/day. 1.5 hours Cardio and 1.5 weights, at the gym 3 times a day. Yes, it's a little crazy..........I pretty much live there and will do so for the next 8 weeks. July 21st is the BIG day, Provincials..............my coaches (Lara and Darren Toma) have been workin' hard to reshape me back to stage ready! My focus is improving my physique from my first show as we all know there is always room for improvement. As along as I train hard I know I will have no regrets! I appreciate all of your support as this sport can be VERY demanding from eating, training, sleeping and trying to find family time. It's all about balance and being prepared! THANK-YOU..............stay fit, healthy and strong!